scene 1
INT. WAREHOUSE PARTY
MELODY (Attractive 30 y.o. brunette) makes her way through the crowd of people dancing and drinking - to an office at back of warehouse. The door is unlocked. She goes to the safe and opens it, (she knows combination) and takes out two suitcases and leaves party. Nobody sees her but one, VLAD (50+ Bald Russian Pimp and Club owner) catches a glimpse of her from the corner of his eye, leaving the dance party and rushes into office to find the safe open and the suitcases missing. It's too late MELODY has entered her car and left.
CAMERA FRAMES AN UNBELIEVING VLAD AT THE FRONT DOOR. HIS UNBELIEF TURNS TO ANGER AS MELODY SPEEDS OFF!
NOTE. (INNOCENT MELODY START OF FILM)
FADE OUT
scene 2
"After the first blush of sin, comes its indifference"
HENRY DAVID THOREAU 1817 - 1862
SCENE 3
FADE IN
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING LATE IN THE WORKING DAY
We open on the 4th floor window of a Architecture Firm/Company. Through the window we see LEE, (Approx. 40 years old) working away on the company's computer, he is working on the construction plans for homes for the outer suburbs of Melbourne. As usual LEE is behind at his work, tired and worried if his fellow employees will notice the mistakes in his work. He is also quite a slow worker since LEE never saw the computer as his friend, but more of an enemy.
scene 4
INT. OFFICE BUILDING
Workmate ATHAN walks up to LEE'S workspace and sits on his desk.
athan
"Are you coming for drinks?"
LEE
"Wont finish up her for another hour"
ATHAN
"Well I'm calling it a day! See yah tomorrow"
ATHAN gets of LEE'S desk and heads for the exit. When LEE is sure ATHAN has left the building, he stops working, saves his work on the computer and puts some papers in his breif case and heads for the exit.
scene 5
LEE arrives at his empty home. His house is a rather large house in a very affluent suburb of Melbourne (Toorak). Although large, it is old and has few rooms. Inside is a book shelf full of books, a desk with an old laptop which only works when it wants to, a couch and a home cinema with surround sound system. In the bedroom we see a large king size bed. At the back of the house we have a newly refurbished kitchen and a large dining room with only a small round table and four chairs.
In the house next door we hear the neighbors verbally fighting. - Male and female couple in a screaming match.
LEE opens the freezer and takes a frozen meal out. Although he hates microwaves, he nukes it, sits down at table and eats it, washes down with Diet Coke.
After dinner LEE sits on his couch, picks up phone and calls a sex line.
FADE OUT
SCENE 6
FADE IN
INT. OFFICE BUILDING
Early morning back at work. A woman (SECRETARY FOR BOSS) approaches LEE'S desk.
secretary
"Mr Jones would like to see you before days end. Would 2pm suit you?"
LEE finds MR JONES secretary quite attractive, but nonchalantly tries not to show this to her.
lee
"2pm will be fine"
SECRETARY leaves giving LEE a polite smile. LEE looks at his watch and wonders what the boss will say to him at 2pm.
FADE OUT
SCENE 7
FADE IN
LEE looks at his watch, 1:45. Gets up of his desk and goes to water cooler, his eyes are cast down. His fellow staff, walk by not giving LEE a second glance. LEE finishes his water and tosses paper cup in bin.
1:55, LEE heads for MR JONES office. Camera, in front of LEE follows him down hallway. He stops outside office and knocks.
SECRETARY
"He's expecting you LEE, take a seat"
LEE fidgets in his seat, looks at his watch. It's 2pm and MR JONES signals LEE to his office.
mr jones
"Glad your here LEE. (PAUSE) Your probably wondering why I called you in? Well (LONG PAUSE), You see LEE, it's about your work (LONG PAUSE), Well (PAUSE) it's (PAUSE) not up to scratch!
LEE has a stern look on his face, well not exactly stern but more of a poker face.
lee
"Not up to scratch?" (SLOWLY)
MR JONES
"Well (PAUSE) you see LEE, (PAUSE) it takes you twice as long to complete a project than the other staff............
MR JONES voice trails of and fades away as the camera zooms out of the office.
FADE OUT
scene 8
The sound of a tram rattling past the office block. LEE turns his head and stares out the window. LEE works in a kind of daze, stares at his watch, and then wall clock, day is long and incredibly tiresome.
End of the day eventually arrives, and all his fellow office workers spill onto the street.
LEE is at back of the pack.
He steps onto the road.
Sound of screeching car brakes.
Fellow workers turn head just as LEE is violently struck by a car.
scene 9
EXT. HOSPITAL
Camera frames the outside of a hospital. We can hear the sound of ambulance and police sirens. LEE is in an emergency ward bandaged up and unconscious. We hear the doctors and nurses talking about LEE.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD
doctor (holding clipboard)
(Talks to his distressed female friend MELODY)
"He's quite a mess, (PAUSE) but he'll pull through, (PAUSE) he most likely never walk again"
melody
(SOBS - WIMPERS)
scene 10
INT. HOSPITAL BED
Waking up on hospital bed, we see LEE trying to sit up, and remove his bed sheets, camera slowly reveals that LEE has lost his legs from the knee down.
lee
"(SCREAMS)"
Scream fades out as doctors rush to his room and hold him down.
FADE OUT
scene 11
FADE IN
LEE conscious tries to come to terms with the situation.
DOCTOR (sympathetically)
"Yesterday you were hit by a car. We had know choice, if you were to live we' would have to amputate you legs from the knees down."
LEE looks away. scratches groin.
DOCTOR
"You also have the worst case of crabs we have ever seen, and the worst fungal infection we have ever seen"
FADE OUT
scene 12
FADE IN
6 MONTHS LATER
We see MELODY pushing LEE'S wheelchair down the hospital hall toward the re-hab rooms. LEE has an angry look to his face, but is very nice to MELODY as he loves her. MELODY makes small talk to cheer up LEE, He forces a smile.
scene 13
INT. RE-HAB ROOM
LEE is lifted out of wheelchair and placed between two bars as he can straddle them and learn to move again. LEE is complaining and whining to the nurses, the bigger nurse tries to take a hard line with LEE, which leads him into a barrage of profanity towards the bigger nurse.
MELODY quietly explains to the nurse what LEE'S been through.
MELODY
"He's been through hell! So much! (SOFTLY) It might be better if he came back tomorrow."
THE NURSE agrees and LEE is wheeled out of re-hab, and out the hospital.
scene 14
EXT. LEE'S HOUSE
MELODY drive's LEE back to his home, the grass has overgrown and the trees need pruning. LEE is helped out of the car by MELODY. The wheelchair barely fits through the front gate. LEE looks slightly embarrassed at this, but the truth is, his disability embarrasses him! How he will need help for a while till he learns to cope on his own. Neither of them say anything but the expressions on their faces say everything.
At the front door MELODY takes out the keys to LEE'S house.
MELODY
"Home at last!"
MELODY opens the front door, steps aside to let LEE in. LEE has he's head downcast and slowly wheels the wheelchair through the front door.
MELODY grabs the wheelchairs bars and with a hard push, pushes LEE through the front door and into living room.
MELODY
(SHOUTING) "IF YOU NEED ME CALL MY MOBILE!"
scene 15
MELODY runs to her car and accelerates away!
scene 16
LEE (LOOKING KIND OF STARTLED, BUT IS USE TO THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR) pauses and thinks to himself, how he must be grateful for MELODY'S help, so he takes her behavior with humor.
scene 17
INT. LEE'S HOUSE
Slowly LEE starts to move toward the toilet. Sigh's and yelps are heard as LEE relieves himself.
2 minutes of film (Approx.) are used here showing LEE'S predicaments. Eg/: how he gets around house in wheelchair, areas the wheelchair won't go or is too big to fit in narrow places. FRUSTRATIONS
scene 18
INT. LEE'S HOUSE
The silence is broken by the phone ringing, LEE moves toward phone, call is taken by answering machine, it's ATHAN.
ATHAN
(BEGGINNING TO LEAVE MESSAGE)
"Hi LEE, it's ATHAN mate, heard you are home, hope your alright......
lee
(PICKING UP PHONE)
'ATHAN (PAUSE) YEH"
ATHAN
"Let me take you into the office, everyone would love to see you"
lee
"Yes, ok"
scene 19
ATHAN arrives at LEE'S house, we see ATHAN knock on the door, LEE answers with a smile.
FADE OUT
scene 20
ATHAN and LEE are viewed from a corner of the room.
ATHAN
"This guy JOHN, is doing your job at the firm. His quite good."
LEE doesn't say anything.
scene 21
ATHAN wheels LEE out to his car and helps him in. ATHAN'S car is a 740i BMW, they drive to the ofice.
scene 22
INT. ARCHITECTURE OFFICE
They arrive in the office to cheers of his fellow employees.
MR JONES SECRETARY PENNY, is first to talk to him.
penny
"If there's anything you need, dont hesitate to call. (SEDUCTIVELY).
His colleagues fall over each other to help LEE.
Next to talk to LEE is THE BOSS, MR JONES.
MR JONES
"There will always be a place for you here LEE."
The whole office makes LEE feel at home, they break out drinks and we watch the staff having a bit of an office party. during the party LEE is introduced to his replacement, a young 18 year old, just out of college ace JOHN.
They talk about work for the firm for a while, something LEE'S not interested in.
LEE
"Well, pleased to meet you JOHN"
JOHN
"The feelings mutual, I'd just like to say, whenever your ready I'll move out of the way, and hand you your old drafting job back"
lee
"What would you do?"
john
"MR JONES is moving me up to design"
lee
"Design? (LEE always wanted a job with the designers, but was never considered ready)
That wont be necessary, I wont be back!"
THE OFFICE PARTY WRAPS UP.
FADE OUT
scene 23
INT. LEE'S HOUSE
LEE wheel's his wheelchair around the living room and realizes he has to check for mail. The front door is open, he slowly and frustratingly wheels back outside and collects mail.
scene 24
BILL'S, JUNK MAIL AND A POSTCARD.
LEE discards the bills and junk mail and reads postcard.
postcard
Dearest Lee
Arrived back from Kalgorlie yesterday, in time for another Melbourne summer! Hope to see you soon!
MELODY
MELODY is a female escort (APPROX. 30 YEARS OF AGE) and a friend with benefits, Slim, brunette, attractive.
scene 25
LEE races to the phone, eager to call MELODY. The truth is, since the accident, he is not sure he can fuck! But always looks forward to MELODY'S company
lee (ON PHONE)
"Hello MELODY"
MELODY
"Hello stranger"
LEE
(WITH AN EXCITED LAUGH)
"Oh MELODY"
FADE OUT OR SHARP CUT
SCENE 26
FADE IN
THE CHARACTER MELODY IS NOW A SEDUCTIVE CALL GIRL
A taxi pulls up to the front of LEE'S house. The camera frames MELODY'S sexy legs and follows them up to the front door. Door bell rings. LEE excitingly moves to answer front door.
LEE
"Look at what the cat dragged in! Hello, love"
melody
"Oh look at you, you poor thing, one drunk driver did all this?"
LEE
"Come in, I'll get you a drink"
MELODY follows LEE to the kitchen, where LEE proceeds to mix her a drink, and explain the last few months that he has not seen her.
FADE OUT
scene 27
FADE IN
LEE and MELODY lie in bed, naked, only a sheet covers them, one of MELODY'S breast can be seen. They begin to talk about LEE'S future.
LEE
"I see Centrelink tomorrow, I'm eligible for a Disability Pension."
MELODY
"And whats that an extra?"
LEE
"$700, about"
MELODY
"Shit, that aint bad"
LEE
"$700 every two weeks! It aint fucken good either! If thats it! For the rest of your life! Some guy, John or someone, visits me tomorrow, with details and forms for me to fill out."
scene 28
LEE is dressed and back in his wheelchair, he watches MELODY getting dressed on the other side of the bed. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out $400 and hands it to MELODY.
MELODY (SMILES)
"Thanks sweetie."
LEE
"I'd like to see you again in two days."
MELODY
"That shouldn't be a problem."
FADE OUT
scene 29
LEE is in the kitschen having his morning tea, looks at his watch - 9am, at 10 JOHN from Centrelink will be here. LEE proceeds to the kiving room and turns on T.V. and watches news.
scene 30
The door bell rings. LEE slowly wheels toward the front door. Opens it.
JOHN singleton
"Hi I'm JOHN SINGLETON, Centrelinks Prahran office! You must be LEE TANIS?"
LEE
"Yes"
JOHN
"Can I enter?"
LEE
"Oh.......yes, off course"
JOHN
"We at Centrelink, are here to help! I'm very sympathetic to people in your situation. (GLANCES AT WHEELCHAIR) and I'm here to help and answer all your questions."
LEE
I'll be needing it!"
JOHN
("Taking seat at kitchen table)"You will be eligible for the complete $700 bi-weekly disability pension, plus a council carer.....
LEE
(INTERRUPTS)
"I wont be needing one......I have someone to look after me........
JOHN
"You can clean? Cook? Bathe?"
LEE
"I can cook and bathe."
JOHN
"I'll arrange a cleaner, Mondays good? Every Monday I can arrange for a cleaner.
How's your memory?"
LEE
"Memory?"
JOHN
"Yes! cont backwards from 20...."
LEE
"Fuck sakes! Are you serious?"
JOHN
"We'll skip that bit. LEE, as I said, I'm on your side. (PULLING FORMS OUT OF BRIEFCASE). I'll make it quick. Not much of a talker. Here are some forms to sign. You'll be back paid from the date of the accident. If you need to contact me my number is on this card.
LEE is handed a pen, he signs his name with an X.
JOHN SINGLETON says his polite good-bye, and leaves.
scene 31
LEE wheels his wheelchair to his desk, on the is his laptop. He opens the desk draw and takes out a Notebook, opens to the first page and writes in capital letters EXPENSES and the date. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a receipt for cigarettes and records the amount and date of purchase in the Notebook.
scene 32
LEE is alone in the house, pouring a glass of wine, he pauses, realizing that this is it, for the rest of his life.
scene 33
FOLLOWING DAY INT. BEDROOM
LEE is asleep, the sun is shinning outside. LEE slowly opens his eyes and looks at his watch - 10:45 am.
Suddenly the silence is broken by a knock on the front door. LEE slides his legs out of bed and into his wheelchair, wondering who it can be?
It's MELODY
She knocks again.
LEE opens the front door and a worried MELODY walks in.
LEE
"Whats wrong MELODY?"
MELODY doesn't answer.
LEE
"What's up?"
LONG PAUSE
MELODY
"LEE. (PAUSE) I'm here because I have (PAUSE) leave town.
LONG PAUSE
LEE
"What's............up?
MELODY
"I hope you understand LEE, I'm in a bit of trouble with my boss."
LEE
"Your boss? (LEE'S upset because he knows she means PIMP, but doesn't say the word)
MELODY
"LEE, I came to you because I wouldn't expect this from you. We respect each other. LEE.
LEE
"Ok MEL, you have to get out of town?
MELODY
"LEE?"
LEE
"Okay, I know a place on the coast. We leave tonight."
MELODY
"Tonight, no tomorrow! I have to pack some things.
scene 34
LEE is home alone, thinking what trouble MELODY can be in.
When there's another knock on the door.
LEE
"I'm coming, hold your horses!"
LEE looks through the window to see who it is. He doesn't recognize who is at the door. He looks foreign to him. He slowly opens the door.
LEE
"Can I help you?"
vlad (PIMP)
(HEAVY AUSTRALIAN / RUSSIAN ACCENT)
"Where is ROSE?"
LEE
"Who's ROSE?, I dont know a ROSE mate."
VLAD
(SHOUTING)
"WHERE IS ROSE? YOU WHERE HER LAST CUSTOMER!"
LEE realizes that the man at the door is asking for MELODY, but is unsure he should tell him he knows her as the man at the door is agitated bordering on psychotic, but folds and begins to tell the truth.
LEE
"MELODY? You mean MELODY."
VLAD gives LEE and intimidating stare
LEE
"She was here yesterday."
VLAD barges through the front door going from room to room screaming out "ROSE". He overturns furniture and throws books around, after about 5 minutes, he realizes that she most likely is not in the house and calms down.
VLAD
(HEADING OUT OF THE HOUSE - PAUSES IN FRONT OF NICK AND HANDS HIM A BUSINESS CARD)
"If you see her..... call!"
VLAD leaves
scene 35
The house is a mess! Practically everything is turned over!
LEE calls MELODY'S mobile. She doesn't answer and he leaves a voicemail message.
scene 36
INT. MELODY'S APARTMENT
MELODY throw's clothes into a suitcase, as well as her revolver!
scene 37
EXT. MELBOURNE SUBURBS
VLAD drive's around looking for MELODY
He drives a 77' HOLDEN STATESMAN CAPRICE
scene 38
EXT. ROAD NEAR LEE'S HOUSE
MELODY drives her MAZDA 323 back to LEE'S house.
scene 39
EXT. LEE'S HOUSE
It is now dark as MELODY pulls up to LEE'S house, LEE is waiting by the front door. MELODY takes suitcase out of her car and LEE show's her to his garage. She puts her suitcase into LEE'S SUBARU LIBERTY WAGON, ready for tomorrows drive to the coast to LEE'S beach house.
Both LEE and MELODY are very tired. They both crash on LEE'S bed in their clothes. They hold each other and fall asleep.
scene 40
EXT. LEE'S HOUSE 6:00am
scene 41
INT. LEE'S BED EMPTY SHEETS A MESS
scene 42
INT. LEE'S GARAGE
MELODY hops into LEE'S car after she helps LEE into passenger seat. LEE'S wheelchair is in the back seat of the car.
MELODY turns the key and starts the car.
CU LEE
LEE
"Head for the West gate bridge! The house is in Barwon Heads."
MELODY steers the car toward freeway.
scene 43
EXT. LEE'S STREET
We see a HOLDEN STATESMAN in the background, it's VLAD.
Unaware to both LEE and MELODY, VLAD is following.
scene 44
SUBARU DRIVING
They travel over the WEST GATE BRIDGE. The roads get narrower, 4 lanes to 2 lanes, eventually they are on a 2 laner, nearing BARWON HEADS.
scene 45
They arrive at the Beach House. The house is located down a dirt, unsealed laneway. The house is an American style house with gable roof and window.
MELODY helps LEE out of the car and into his wheelchair.
Inside the house is dirty and grimy.
When LEE is inside the house, she goes back for her suitcase.
They are both glad they got away from VLAD.
MELODY crashes on the couch.
scene 46
INT. DINNER TABLE
MELODY has prepared a meal of steak for LEE and something light for herself, neither feel like eating and not much goes on in the way of conversation.
They finish the meal.
LEE
"Your safe now MEL."
MELODY
"I'm tired, I'm going to bed."
MELODY retreats to an upstairs bedroom.
LEE to the couch downstairs.
scene 47
EXT. BEACH HOUSE
VLAD slowly drives his car up the laneway and switches of his lights.
scene 48
LEE asleep on couch downstairs
MELODY asleep upstairs.
scene 49
VLAD carefully forces the front door.
He enters.
He see's LEE asleep on the couch and moves toward him.
VLAD stands over LEE holding a gun!
Slowly LEE opens his eyes.
VLAD
"Hey, Mother fucker, (PAUSE) Where's MELODY?"
LEE
(FEAR GRIPS HIM AS HE IS STARTLED BY VLAD - SCREAMING)
"MELODY RUN!"
VLAD hits LEE on the head with the butt of his gun, and turns and begins to run upstairs to find MELODY.
VLAD
(ANGRY AND SCREAMING THE WORDS)
"WHERE ARE YOU? (PAUSE) yOU FUCKEN BITCH!"
SCENE 50
LEE dazed and confused, composes himself and begins to drag himself toward and up the stairs.
We hear VLAD arguing with MELODY.
Screams ensue and suddenly silence!
LEE continues to drag himself up the stairs using his arms.
He reaches the top to see MELODY being raped by VLAD.
What seems like forever passes, and VLAD finishes.
MELODY pulls away and covers herself with the bed sheets.
VLAD turns to see LEE in the doorway and begins to laugh.
VLAD
"Look at you. Cant fuck. Your only half a man!"
VLAD laeves
scene 51
INT. UPSTAIRS BEDROOM
MELODY is lying on bed. LEE is on the floor. He begins to talk to MELODY.
LEE
"MELODY"
(SOFTLY - NO ANSWER)
"ME-LO-DY you alright?
(LONG PAUSE)
"What does this guy want? MEL-ODY?"
MELODY turns her head toward LEE.
MELODY
(SOFTLY - KIND OF BEGINNING TO TEAR UP!)
"I should never have involved you."
LEE
(MANEUVERING TO SIT UP AGAINST BED - SYMPATHETIC)
"It's OK MEL. I'm here to help.(PAUSE) I want to help. (PAUSE) MEL?
scene 52
INT. UPSTAIRS BEDROOM
The night seems to last forever, it's 3am the camera frames LEE up against the bed, MELODY on the bed, naked, and covered by a white linen bed sheet.
C.U. LEE'S FACE, IN THE BACKGROUND MELODY PUT'S ON CLOTHES - A LOT OF CLOTHING AND THEN CLIMBS BACK INTO BED AND FALLS ASLEEP IN ALL HER CLOTHES.
The night feels like six weeks.
CAMERA FRAMES VLAD DRIVING AWAY LAUGHING.
scene 53
INT. KITCHEN 9am
FIRST WORDS OF THE DAY ARE SPOKEN
LEE
(SOFTLY, SYMPATHETICALLY)
"I think the best thing to do is tell the Police what happened."
MELODY agrees
scene 54
EXT. POLICE STATION, EARLY MORNING
MELODY walks through the entrance, 2 seconds later LEE frantically wheels his wheelchair through the entrance, struggling to keep up with MELODY.
scene 55
INT. POLICE STATION
Inside the Police Station we see a badly beaten man talking to the cop at reception, LEE and MELODY are beside each other, behind the beaten man, next in queue. Behind them a drunken derelict man lies mumbling profanities, and something about the end of the world. The badly beaten man finishes his statement and is lead away by two offices into an interrogation room.
LEE and MELODY move up to the desk.
constable mark
"How can we help you?"
MELODY
"We would like to report a break in.....
LEE
"and a rape!
CONSTABLE MARK (TO MELODY)
"Would you prefer a female officer to handle your complaint?"
MELODY
"Yes!"
scene 56
INT. INTERVIEW ROOM, ROOM IS PAINTED DARK BLUE
MELODY is shown to an interview room, LEE waits at reception. In the room a female Officer is seated, she greets MELODY, door shuts behind MEL.
FADE OUT
scene 57
FADE IN
A COUNTRY HIGHWAY
MELODY is driving LEE'S SUBARU, she is speeding, at least 135km/h, LEE is in the passenger seat try's to talk to her, but MELODY isn't talking.
LEE
"MELODY (PAUSE), sweety (PAUSE), please slow down!"
MELODY doesn't talk.
They are still driving fast as they pass a small local airport, a light plane takes off as the noise of the light planes engine fades away we hear the roar of VLAD'S v8 STATESMAN pull out of a side street and begin chase!
scene 58
MELODY floors it, but the SUBARU'S flat 4 is no match for for VLAD'S v8, and soon he is right behind them.
LEE and MELODY are both frightened.
VLAD begins to ram his car into the back of LEE'S.
THIS IS ALL HAPPENING ON A WINDY SECTION OF COASTAL HIGHWAY.
After the 4th hit the SUBARU is forced off the road and onto a side strip.
LEE GRABS THE WHEEL AND CONTROLS CAR TO SAFETY.
VLAD HAS NOWHERE TO GO - SWIPES THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR - AND DRIVES OF A LARGE CLIFF.
scene 59
LEE and MELODY watch stunned as VLAD'S car drives off the cliff and explodes.
LEE
"Fuck!" (PAUSE - TURNS TO MELODY AND TALKS) "What could you have done to make this guy chase us like that?"
MELODY
(HESITANTLY)
"I stole halve a million dollars from him!"
SHARP CUT
scene 60
DESERTED COASTAL ROAD
No one has seen the accident, the driver's side rear vision mirror is missing - knocked off by the accident, the rear of the car is also badly damaged.
LEE
"Turn the car around and let's get the fuck outta' here!"
The car makes a u-turn and races back to the beach house.
scene 61
INT. BEACH HOUSE
With the car safely hidden in garage, LEE and MELODY talk to one another frantically trying to get their story straight.
If/when the cops come around.
Suddenly LEE turns the conversation to where the money is.
LEE
"The money, where is it?
MELODY
"I never should have involved you......"
LEE
"I AM INVOLVED!" (ANGRILY)
MELODY
"I'll take you there tomorrow."
MELODY walks away.
scene 62
INT. NIGHT
LEE alone on the ground floor, wheel's his chair to the writing desk opens draw takes out cigarettes. Then we see him wheel his chair OUTSIDE onto front porch and light cigarette.
MELODY is heard moving around upstairs.
FADE OUT
scene 63
INT. HOUSE MORNING
We see LEE asleep on the couch, the door bell rings. IT'S THE POLICE.
LEE maneuvers into his wheelchair and grabs a robe.
He answers the front door.
CONSTABLE MARK
"Good Morning sir"
LEE
"Yes."
CONSTABLE MARK
"Sorry to disturb you this time of the morning, (PAUSE) you reported a crime against a MELODY PYKE by one VLAD CHOCKSKY?"
LEE
"Yes."
CONSTABLE MARK
"VLAD CHOCKSKY'S car was found a car wreck yesterday afternoon. We like to ask you some routine questions. Is MELODY here?
LEE
"She's asleep upstairs."
CONSTABLE MARK
"Okay, don't wake her. I can ask you. You'll be fine. (LOOKING AT NOTEBOOK) Did you see VLAD yesterday?"
LEE
"No."
CONSTABLE MARK
"After the police station where were you about 5pm?
LEE
"We came straight home, MEL cooked dinner."
CONSTABLE MARK
(LOOKS NICK IN THE EYES)
"Okay everything seems in order."
CONSTABLE MARK HANDS LEE A BUSINESS CARD
CONSTABLE MARK
"We might need to ask you and MELODY a few more questions, till then if anything comes to mind - call."
CONSTABLE MARK LEAVES
scene 64
INT. BEACH HOUSE
MELODY at the top of stairs.
MELODY
"Who was that?"
LEE
(TAKING HIS TIME TO ANSWER)
".......the cops"
MELODY
"What did they want? What were they here for?"
LEE
"About the accident MEL. (PAUSE) You know VLAD."
MELODY
"What did you say?"
LEE
"Not much, didn't ask alot."
The kettle boils, LEE pours himself a coffee and then looks at MELODY.
LEE
"Coffee MEL?"
MELODY doesn't answer, but walks down the stairs, LEE pours another coffee for MELODY. She takes the cup of LEE and takes a sip. They both discuss their stories, in case the cops drop by for another visit.
scene 65
EXT. SITE OF THE ACCIDENT
VLAD'S burnt out car is dragged up the cliff by a tow truck.
There are no bodies in car!
CONSTABLE MARK talks to fellow officers, as superiors arrive, a brand new FORD FALCON pulls up beside MARK and two plain clothed cops get out.
WE CANT MAKE OUT WHAT THE COPS ARE SAYING.
scene 66
CAR ON FREEWAY
LEE and MELODY are driving back to MELBOURNE, the car is damaged from before - rear damage and missing drivers side mirror -
LEE asks MEL about the money.
MELODY
"We're going to Melbourne Airport! The money's in a locker their!"
LEE is quiet for the first time in the movie.
scene 67
MELBOURNE AIRPORT CARPARK
LEE is helped out of the car and into his wheelchair.
He seems agitated, sick of all the help he needs getting in and out of car etc. LEE. "I'll do it myself!"
They both briskly move to the terminal.
MELODY looks around for lockers.
MELODY
"This way."
scene 68
VLAD and three other guys watch MELODY take the suitcases out of the locker and place them on LEE'S lap.
The men prefer not to confront LEE and MEL and make a scene as the airport is crowded.
scene 69
LEE and MELODY head for the carpark - and drive away.
VLAD and his three accomplices follow in a black COMMODORE.
scene 70
EXT. BEACH HOUSE
The SUBARU arrives at house, and drives into garage.
A while later the BLACK COMMODORE rolls up letting out one of the accomplices - ALI psychotic terrorist wannabe.
scene 71
INT. BEACH HOUSE
MELODY is upstairs, smiling, she places suitcases under bed.
LEE is downstairs - pours himself a drink.
ALI stands outside front door, with one all mighty kick - the door is open, startling LEE.
ALI storms in and confronts LEE. A fight ensues and LEE falls out of wheelchair.
MELODY hears the commotion.
LEE
(SHOUTING)"MELODY!"
It's too late ALI runs upstairs, to see MELODY climb out the window with the suitcases. He reaches the window forcing her to drop the suitcases, which snag on the gutters of the roof.
CAMERA FRAMES MELODY VIEWING ACTION FROM THE GROUND BELOW.
ALI grabs hold of MEL and a screaming match ensues.
MEANWHILE LEE IS DRAGGING HIMSELF UP STAIRS - AGAIN!
He reaches the top to see ALI holding MELODY from falling from the roof!
ALI
(SHOUTING)
"HAND UP THE MONEY."
LEE from the corner of his eye see's the revolver in MELODY'S suitcase.
LEE is not a killer but feels he has no choice, as he has felt pathetic trying to help MEL!
Hoping it's loaded points at ALI'S back - and FIRES!
ALI IS DEAD
scene 72
OUTSIDE BEACH HOUSE
VLAD and his two accomplices hear the gunshot.
THE 2 ACCOMPLICES TURN TO VLAD.
accomplice 1
"I'm out of here!"
ACCOMPLICE 2
"Me too!"
The two accomplices flee the scene.
scene 73
MELODY stands over ALI'S dead body.
LEE maneuvers himself to lean over bed.
MELODY with as much help from LEE he can offer push ALI out the window.
The body falls to the ground with a thud!
AN ANGRY VLAD GETS OUT OF THE CAR YELLING PROFANITY'S AT THE TOP OF HIS VOICE! STORMS THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR TRIPS OVER COFFEE TABLE GETS UP AND RACES UP STAIRS.
LEE PICKS UP GUN AND COCKS TRIGGER.
VLAD REACHES TOP OF STAIRS AND A VERBAL FIGHT ENSUES.
LEE DOESN'T WANT TO SHOOT VLAD BUT VLADS INSULTS PUSH HIM OVER THE EDGE!
5 SHOTS ARE FIRED INTO VLADS CHEST - KILLING HIM INSTANTLY. THE GUN IS OUT OF BULLETS.
MELODY hugs LEE, glad it's over.
A long time passes.
MELODY and LEE toss VLAD'S body out window.
Then helps LEE down the stairs and back into his wheelchair.
They exit the house and see the two dead bodies on the ground in front of house.
LEE
"I'll get a shovel."
MELODY digs a trench and buries the two bodies in the yard.
LEE looks on smoking cigarettes.
scene 74
2 WEEKS LATER, INT. TOORAK HOUSE
MELODY and LEE lay in bed watching T.V.
Suddenly without notice the power goes out.
MELODY PANICS
DRAMATIC MUSIC AS IF SOMETHING ABOUT TO HAPPEN.
MUSIC STOPS
LEE
"Sweetie, (PAUSE) did you pay the electricity bill?
MELODY looks at LEE and smiles!
LEE
"That's what happens when your living on a $700 pension!"
THE END
END CREDITS ARE SHOWN OVER PICTURES OF PEOPLE DANCING AT THE CLUB SHOWN AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FILM.